TO FOSTER AND RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE AND TO ELEVATE THE STANDARDS IN THE PRACTICE OF THE PROFESSION OF TAX LAW, TO STIMULATE DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND SEMINARS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL MECHANISMS FOR INPUT BY TAX PROFESSIONALS INTO DEVELOPMENT OF TAX LAWS, AND TO FACILITATE SCHOLARLY DISCUSSIONS AND EXAMINATIONS OF TAX POLICY ISSUES.